In early 2017, the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast “rolled” out an exciting new outreach that has a lot of people excited. Johnny Torres, the mission’s cook, came up with the idea to use our SOS Truck and serve a made-to-order menu to anyone who needs a hot meal. Every Friday night you can hear individuals talking about the quality of food, their excitement of being able to choose from a delicious menu, and the “dignity” that they feel. “I love to see people enjoying the food I serve, their enjoyment makes my day!”

The outreach started off small as the team perfected the concept. At first, it was only Johnny, the SOS truck, a few men from the Life Recovery Program and, of course, hungry people. Those early days taught the team a lot about operating a fully functioning kitchen. It was a great opportunity for the men to learn kitchen prep, knife skills, food handling, order taking, organizational skills, and so much more. The SOS truck was more than a vehicle to serve the community food, it became an amazing vocational training center as well!

The Friday night outreach has grown a lot since the early days. Genae Sarver, the mission’s volunteer coordinator and David Loftin, the mission’s program assistant, have joined the team, ensuring that every guest is welcomed and cared for. And the entire Life Recovery Program joins in, learning how to minister to others and pour back into the community. Each week we turn the parking lot of the Central Coast Super Thrift into a pop-up restaurant. Tables and chairs fill our parking spaces and guests are invited to sit, enjoy, and relax. There is even a volunteer DJ on most Fridays. Brendon sums it up well, “Kitchen duty can be hard work, but to impact lives, to see the appreciation, makes it all worth it!”

We invite everyone who is looking for a place to invest in “Changing Lives for Good” to come out and have dinner with us at 306 N. Broadway, every Friday from 5pm to 6:30pm.